Equipment Import Agency: How to Ensure Every Step is Foolproof?

EquipmentImport Representation: A Full-Process Analysis from a Professional Perspective

In my 20 - yearforeign tradecareer, I have witnessed the booming development of Chinas manufacturing industry and also experienced the success and lessons of numerousequipment. For example, Indonesia has the SNI certification, Thailand has the TISI certification, and the Philippines has the BPS certification. It is necessary to confirm in advance the equipment voltage (such as 380V/50Hz in Thailand), the compatibility of the CE certification, and the proof of environmentally friendly materials.projects. Equipment import, due to its professionalism and complexity, often daunts enterprises. This article will reveal to you the complete process and key points of equipment import agency from a practical perspective.

I. Pre - preparation stage

Supplier selection and negotiation

• Focus on supplier qualifications, equipment performance parameters, and after - sales service terms
• It is recommended to adopt FOB or CIF trade terms to reduce transportation risks
• Recommended payment method: 30% advance payment + 70% payment against the bill of lading copy

Key points for reviewing equipment procurement contracts

Terms	Precautions
Equipment Specifications	Require the provision of a detailed technical parameter table
Delivery Conditions	Clarify the delivery time, place, and liability division
Warranty Terms	At least 1 - year warranty, clarify the scope of the warranty

II. Logistics and Transportation Arrangements

Selection of Transportation Modes

Select an appropriate transportation method according to the equipment characteristics:

• Full Container Load (FCL)Maritime Transportation: Suitable for large - scale complete sets of equipment
• Less - than - Container Load (LCL): Suitable for small and medium - sized equipment
• Air Transportation: The first choice for urgent or precision equipment

Transportation Insurance

It is strongly recommended to purchase all - risks insurance (All Risks), especially in the following cases:

• The equipment value exceeds $500,000
• The transportation route passes through high - risk sea areas
• The equipment contains vulnerable parts

III. Customs Clearance and Tax Handling

Application for Import License

According to the Measures for the Administration of the Import of Mechanical and Electrical Products, most equipment requires an import license. It is recommended to prepare the following materials 1 - 2 months in advance:

• Equipment technical parameter table
• Final user statement
• Copy of business license

Calculation of Tariffs and Value-Added Tax

Reference of the latest tax rates in 2023:

Tax Type	Tax Rate	Calculation Base
Tariff	5%-15%	CIF价
Value - added Tax	13%	CIF价+关税

IV. Common Risks and Prevention

Inconsistent Equipment Specifications

Suggestions:

• Clarify the acceptance standards for technical parameters in the contract
• Arrange a third - party inspection agency for pre - shipment inspection

Customs Clearance Delays

Preventive measures:

• Confirm the HS code in advance
• Prepare complete customs clearance documents
• Maintain good communication with the customs

V. Sharing of Successful Cases

A manufacturing enterprises project of importing precision processing equipment worth $2 million:

• Adopt FOB terms, saving 15% of transportation costs
• Complete customs clearance within 3 days through a professional customs broker
• Utilize the free trade zone policy to reduce tariffs by 20%

Conclusion: Equipment import agency is a systematic project that requires the support of professional knowledge and rich experience. It is hoped that through the sharing of this article, more enterprises can successfully complete equipment import and achieve industrial upgrading and technological progress.